Canadian Aquatic Barriers Database
A tool to support freshwater connectivity restoration and policy
Nick Mazany-Wright
April 26, 2023
Session 3: A Survey of Select Canadian Tributaries and Threats to Fish and Fish Habitat
Baseline Coastal Habitat Survey for the Canadian Great Lakes
Canadian Wildlife Federation
Who We Are
One of Canada’s largest environmental NGOs
Originated in 1962 from fish and wildlife conservation movement
“To conserve and inspire the conservation of Canada’s wildlife and habitats for the use and enjoyment for all”
Freshwater, marine, and terrestrial programs
National Fish Passage Program
Increased freshwater focus on connectivity and fish passage:
Chinook salmon research in Upper Yukon River
American eel research and advocacy
Fish passage advocacy and barrier campaigns
Watershed Connectivity Restoration Planning framework in BC, AB, PEI, and NS
Spatial tools to assess watershed connectivity and prioritize barriers for removal
Development of the Canadian Aquatic Barriers Database (CABD)
Canadian Aquatic Barriers Database (CABD)
What is the conservation issue?
What we know:
Structures like dams, culverts, and dykes block the movement of fish (and other species) and energy/matter
Barriers to connectivity are extensive across Canada
Barrier removal needed to restore access to important habitat and ecosystem functions
Restoration projects are expensive